boehner, may god bless this congress. may god always bless the united states of america. my colleagues, the speaker of the house, john boehner. [ applause ] >> leader pole helosi, thank yo your kind words. members of the house, senate, my wife, debbie you who is with us today, thankfully, the girls are working. and all of you and our fellow countrymen. you know, we met mete again at democracy's great port of call. every two years, at this hour, the constitution brings a new order to this house. and it's an interlude for reflection, a glimpse of old truths. and to our new members and our families, let me just say welcome. [ applause ] i know you're feeling a bit awe-struck at this moment. history runs through this building. and now you're among a select few to share in this privilege. and for those of you who are returning, who avenue walked the -- who have walk walked these aisles before, maybe it's time we get a little awe-struck again. [ applause ] the way our founders envisioned it the republic will be led by citizens who recognize that the blessings that we receive by governing our